A new chapter in Guyana’s democratic journey begins today as the 13th Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana officially convenes for its first session at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The highly anticipated event, scheduled to start at 2:00 PM, marks the first official gathering since the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, in which the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) again secured a majority of 36 seats and formed the government under President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
In a recent statement, President Ali reaffirmed that the calling of Parliament signifies Guyana’s ongoing commitment to constitutional order, democratic governance, and legislative transparency. He emphasized that the new Parliament would focus on advancing the government’s development agenda, addressing national challenges, and ensuring all Guyanese benefit from the country’s continued growth.
According to Article 69(1) of the Constitution of Guyana, every parliamentary session must be called at a specific time and place designated by the President. The ACCC has once again been chosen as the location for this important national event — a venue that has hosted several historic parliamentary sittings since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Security personnel, protocol officers, and parliamentary staff have been working carefully over the past few days to ensure that today’s session proceeds smoothly and with full ceremonial dignity.
The 13th Parliament follows the dissolution of the 12th Parliament earlier this year, an action that paved the way for the September elections. The 2025 polls featured a fiercely contested campaign among four major political groups: the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the long-standing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM). After the final declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the PPP/C maintained its ruling majority with 36 seats, while WIN secured 16 seats, APNU earned 12, and FGM captured one seat.
Each political party has since submitted its official list of Members of Parliament (MPs), who are expected to take their oaths during today’s session. Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs confirmed that preparations were completed over the weekend and that all logistical arrangements— including the seating plan, ceremonial protocol, and documentation—were in place. The event is expected to draw national attention, with live broadcasts scheduled to ensure that citizens across the country can watch the opening proceedings.
Notably, today’s session will be mostly ceremonial. The Order Paper for the day lists only two main items of business: the swearing-in of all elected Members of Parliament and the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. These two essential roles will set the tone for the new legislative term, with the Speaker expected to lead parliamentary debates, maintain order, and uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy.
However, it has been confirmed by parliamentary sources that there will be no swearing-in of a Leader of the Opposition at today’s session. Under Guyana’s Constitution, the Leader of the Opposition is elected by and from the non-governmental members of the National Assembly during a separate meeting chaired by the Speaker, who does not vote. The absence of this item from today’s agenda suggests that the election of the Opposition Leader will be postponed to a later date, probably after opposition parties finish their internal consultations and negotiations.
Political analysts note that the composition of the 13th Parliament reflects both continuity and change in Guyana’s political landscape. The PPP/C’s commanding 36-seat majority guarantees strong legislative control, enabling it to pursue its policy goals effectively. Meanwhile, the rise of WIN as the second-largest bloc has altered the opposition landscape, challenging the traditional dominance of APNU in that role. The Forward Guyana Movement’s single seat, though symbolic, is expected to provide an independent voice in debates and committee discussions.
Today’s opening of Parliament also marks the start of a new legislative cycle, which is expected to focus heavily on national development priorities, including economic diversification, education reform, infrastructure expansion, and renewable energy development. The government has also indicated plans to strengthen governance and transparency institutions, build resilience in the post-pandemic economy, and continue promoting unity among Guyana’s diverse population.
As the nation’s elected representatives take their oaths and the new Speaker assumes office, Guyana stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic development. The 13th Parliament not only reflects the will of the voters but also symbolizes the country’s lasting faith in democratic institutions. The proceedings at the ACCC today are more than ceremonial — they serve as a reaffirmation of Guyana’s journey toward progress, inclusion, and responsible governance.
With the government and opposition now ready to resume their legislative duties, citizens across the country will be watching closely as the 13th Parliament begins a decisive chapter in Guyana’s political and developmental history.